GRANULOCYTE-MACROPHAGE COLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR IN POSTREMISSION THERAPY OF ACUTE MYELOID-LEUKEMIA

The impact on occult leukemia of GM-CSF as a sensitizing agent has not been studied. We treated 41 adult patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia, 25 of whom achieved complete remission and were given 1 to 3 post-remission courses, each course including GM-CSF begun 4 days pr ior to chemotherapy and given until day 3. After a median follow-up of 32 months, the probability of remaining in continuous complete remiss ion was 17% at 46 months. GM-CSF in this setting was not associated wi th an improved outcome, arguing against a priming effect.